Sandra‘s Closet

For my birthday, I wore this combination that I truly adore. The way the flowers are attached to the dress and bag is so artful. However, the combination of lace adds this unexpected twist. Looking back at these photos made me realize how much I miss my girlfriends, how much I miss these beautiful and careless lunches we spent together. Let’s hope that we will be soon back to normal.

My Look: Sheer mini cotton-blend cape, flower embellishments lace and cady dress, fiori appliquéd satin tote and red crystal-embellished leather pumps, all by Prada, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and LOVE ring with diamonds, all by CARTIER, True diamond ring by Tiffany & Co., Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Fashionable face masks are in my opinion a very good thing. We need to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and not everyone owns the materials (or has the seamstress skills) to make their own. We should all be focused on keeping ourselves and our communities safe; and the less time we spend in judgment of the way others achieve that, probably, the better.

Instead of investing in the newest lipstick (unfortunately nobody is going to see this for a while), you might consider getting a face mask with cool patterns or create one yourself as I did. I used those CHANEL camelia stickers and the ribbon you get when you buy something at CHANEL. I have always kept them and now they serve a wonderful purpose. Scroll down to see me wearing it.

I want to underline that those masks presented in this post aren’t medical grade, so they can’t be used by healthcare professionals, but they will make us feel more beautiful and will make grocery shopping more fun while protecting yourself and helping others.

My dear friend and fashion designer Natasha Zinko came up with another great idea and is now retailing those upcycled reusable face masks from fabric leftovers from previous collections. 50% of each sale will be donated to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The hospitals covered are Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea, St Mary’s and the Western Eye.

TO SHOP THE FACE MASKS IN DIFFERENT COLOR AND FABRIC COMBINATIONS BY NATASHA ZINKO, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Please don’t want to bash those who enjoy looking cute while self-quarantining and social distancing. People are different and if it benefits their mental health, let them be. I am finding joy and some normalcy in those little things, dressing up makes me happy. Therefore I am continuing to inspire you on a daily basis. Thank you for your support!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Natasha Zinko and via Vogue
Disclaimer: Masks to be worn as a fashion accessory, no medical use has yet been proven.

Whether you consider them primarily as jewelry pieces or timepieces, rainbow watches have been adding some serious color to the luxury watch landscape lately. Here are the most beautiful rainbow watches to chase right now as the trend has been championed by the big major brands including Rolex, Chopard, and Hublot, which over the past few years have released timepieces with a florid gradient of precious or semiprecious stones on the bezel and even on the bracelet.

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA RAINBOW IN EVEROSE GOLD

Rolex SA helped pioneer the rainbow bezel trend on mechanical timepieces. With three versions of a rainbow Daytona watch in different types of gold, the ­company has racked up a waiting list for each since introducing them in 2012. In 2018, my favorite version in Everose gold was introduced at Baselworld.

Not only does the bezel present 36 baguette-cut sapphires, but the dial also sports 11 rainbow-colored sapphires as indexes. The 40mm timepiece gets an exclamation point by way of a midcase encrusted with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Price upon request.

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK FROSTED GOLD DOUBLE BALANCE OPENWORKED RAINBOW

Presented in 2019 at SIHH, the 18-karat frosted-gold piece features 32 baguette-cut sapphires running in color sequence around the bezel. That’s 2.24 carats of precious stones on the 37mm skeletonized wristwatch.
Price upon request.

FRANCK MULLER RAINBOW INVISIBLE SETTING TOURBILLON

This stunning watch has 230 baguette diamonds and 61 baguette-coloured sapphires set in white gold. It incorporates 122 baguette-cut diamonds at 7.99 carats and 21 baguette-cut coloured sapphires at 2.48 carats into the dial alone, as well as another 108 7.27 carat baguette-cut diamonds and 40 baguette-cut 8.44 carat coloured sapphires into the case.

The exposed Tourbillon mechanism is surrounded by another round of colored sapphires. It contrasts against the glistening clear design of the diamond dial with touches of gold and silver-toned hardware detailing the mechanics. The complex horological movement is designed to improve accuracy and commonly features on some of the world’s most expensive watches.
Price upon request.

JACOB & CO BRILLIANT FULL BAGUETTE RAINBOW

Set in 18K white gold, the watch is invisibly set with 226 baguette multi-coloured sapphires at around 16.38 ct., the crown is set with 12 baguette multi-coloured sapphires and one rose cut sapphire at around 0.14 ct.. Limited to 18 individually numbered pieces.
Price upon request.

HUBLOT BIG BANG ONE CLICK RAINBOW KING GOLD

Almost all of these rainbow watches showcase the same clockwise color gradient: Red is at 12 o’clock, and the colors run around to violet at 11. Hublot SA’s 39-millimeter Big Bang variation runs counterclockwise. But truly, is there any one way to make a rainbow?

473 brilliant-cut gem stones in pop colors, this joyful watch also welcomes the colors of the rainbow onto its iconic strap, a fusion of natural rubber and alligator leather. Thanks to its patented «One Click» interchangeable strap, the 39mm Big Bang Rainbow can even match its color to that of your It-Bag with a snap of the fingers.
CHF 78.000

BREITLING LIMITED RAINBOW SUPEROCEAN HERITAGE ’57

Originally dating back to 1957, the SuperOcean was a laid-back and fun dive watch.

Decades later, the new SuperOcean Heritage ‘57, launched last week by Breitling in a limited edition of 250, embodies every bit of that Bohemian presence yet updates the watch with modern specs and some special rainbow colors. Sitting at 42mm on the wrist, it features a ceramic bezel ring, Breitling’s COSC-certified Caliber 10 movement (42 hours power reserve), and 100 meters of water resistance. The most reasonable in price of all those watches.
CHF 4550.00

CHOPARD IMPERIALE JOAILLERIE RAINBOW 

Flaunting 581 sapphires totaling 47.98 carats, it took more than 1,000 hours of work solely to get the gem-setting portion of this high-jewelry rose gold watch right. And it’s not just the 40mm case, bezel, and dial of the automatic Chopard Imperiale Joaillerie Rainbow that shines bright with a kaleidoscope of sapphires — the bracelet is a veritable work of art too, featuring links set with different hued gems to get the rich gradient effect.

The watch is powered by Chopard’s 01.03-C calibre mechanical self-winding movement, and features an excellent 60-hour power reserve.
Price upon request.

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER TONDA 1950 FLYING TOURBILLON DOUBLE RAINBOW

Parmigiani Fleurier SA, a smaller company known for elegance and complications, presents its new radiant tourbillon that illuminates a shower of diamonds, revealing a double rainbow over a scintillating aventurine night sky.

This haute horlogerie timepiece, driven by the in-house ultra-thin PF517 movement, features a double gradient of extraordinary colors and represents a fine example of Parmigiani Fleurier’s skill in marrying the arts of watchmaking and jewelry.

DIOR GEM DIOR SECRET WATCH

The dial on this outstanding piece, designed by Victoria de Castellane, hides behind a movable, jewelled facade and is an explosion of colour. The yellow-gold bracelet is set with a variety of shapes and sizes of tsavorite, spinel, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, diamonds and tanzanite.
Price upon request.

Isn’t one watch more beautiful than the other… let me know which one is your favorite! I am definitely going for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow in Everose Gold.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to introduce you to my dear friend Erica Pelosini Leeman. If you don’t know who this bundle of energy is, then you’ve been sleeping under a rock. Being an extroverted Italian stylist, editor and creative director who’s contributing regularly to Vogue and other high-end fashion titles, she has been traveling constantly around the globe for fashion shoots and all sorts of glamorous events. As her hectic life has come to a halt this year due to the corona crisis, she took this unique opportunity to reflect and channel all her amazing energy towards creating something that can make staying at home a bit more pleasant: THE SURVIVAL BOX.

Erica Pelosini Leeman

SLEEP, EAT, RESET, HEAL and REPEAT – that is the motto. Survival Box’s goal is for everyone to be strong and survive this unique and challenging time and also to help families and children in need along the way! By buying a box not only are you gifting yourself some amazing goodies but you are also helping to further Erica’s mission of providing essential items and basic food to children and families in need deeply impacted by Covid-19.

Our lifestyle before the corona virus: Erica and I together on a yacht for the fragrance launch of Tom Ford Lavender Extrême in Gordes, at the De Grisogono Gala during Cannes Film Festival or celebrating Mary Katrantzou and her fantastic S/S 2020 show in Athens.

Erica, do you miss all your travels at the moment?
I would never have thought I would say this, but actually NO! However, I am of course missing my family in Florence but I am very happy that they are all safe in quarantine in our country side house with our  horses and dogs!
Just before everything started I was traveling nonstop, in one month I had been to Aspen 5 times, Milano, Florence, Germany, Paris, LA, NY, St Barth’s. First I thought, I hap planned to stay in the Caribbean but I got scared I couldn’t go back to California where I’m now super happy to be! For once home with my husband and my dog!

You HAVE so much energy. How does your day look like during quarantine?
You know me well! After spending some time organizing my closet, bags, shoes by colour (something I NEVER thought I would have time to do in my life), learning how cook something more elaborate than my green juice in the morning, almost getting a sun burn at my pool, I took some time off to think, about my friends and everything that is going on in the world at the moment. This was the point, when I decided to invest all my energy towards something good, to keep my friends healthy and strong but at the same time to help others that really need our support! There are so many innocent families affected by the corona crisis due to school closures, financial problems or domestic violence.

This was exactly when the idea of «the survival box» came to my mind, to pamper while staying at home, a box filled with many goodies that support everyone’s well-being and health.  We already got requests from hospitals to have the boxes delivered as a treat for their doctors and nurses. This made me so happy, to know that «the survival box» can also be a treat for those angels that are working on the frontline daily for all us.

How did you choose the products for the survival box? Did you know most of them before or did you go on a virtual «treasure hunt»?
I’m a total freak when it comes to health and well being. In my free time, I have always loved researching the best vitamins, workouts, super food, hair and beauty products. I literally put all this knowledge in my project so that everyone can boost their immune system while being at home and make quarantine a little bit more enjoyable so that we will all glow once this crisis is over. Everything to stay healthy, strong, hydrated, informed, styled, fit, and energized, you can find in the box !

From eating clean with Gr8nola’s charcoal gluten free granola, to chilling and getting some good sleep with Ouai Miracle Chill Bath Pills and glowing skin with Shea Marie’s new skincare line «The Feelist», to my favorite detox Sorate green tea, one of the best sources of antioxidants; then you can train with celebrity-obsession Body By Simone workouts, and get advice on how to age gracefully with Naturium Retinol cream and go-to kick Vitamin C from Vital Proteins. You will also get the ultimate clear skin routine from Zitstika, the perfect way to style your hair while at home with Mermade hair and advice from the experts in health, wellness, fitness, food, and beauty at C Magazine.

What is the first thing you will do once this quarantine time is over?
I have many amazing projects on hold that I hopefully can reveal then. But so far, I truly wish that I will be able to spend the summer with my family as this has always been our tradition.

SLEEP, EAT, RESET, HEAL and REPEAT – that is the motto. Survival Box’s goal is for everyone to be strong and survive this unique and challenging time and also to help families and children in need along the way! By buying a box not only are you gifting yourself some amazing goodies but you are also helping to further Erica’s mission of providing essential items and basic food to children and families in need deeply impacted by Covid-19.

30% of all the proceeds will be donated to charity. Furthermore, a 10% discount will be applied if you would like to gift a box to the amazing doctors, nurses and health care workers at the hospitals. A much well deserved treat after a long shift at the frontlines. And great news is – THE SURVIVAL BOX ships internationally.

As Erica says: «We are all in this together. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home.
BEING KIND IS COOL!»
Thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © THE SURVIVAL BOX – Instagram:@survivalbox.co and @ericapelosini

Called the «last of the adventurers», New York photographer Peter Beard was an artist and a naturalist to whom the word «wild» was roundly applied, both for his death-defying photos as well as his crazy playboy-esque lifestyle. He photographed African fauna at great personal risk, and well into old age could party until dawn. He had been missing for 19 days when he was found dead yesterday in Montauk at the age of 82.

In a statement shared on social media, his family states: «We are all heartbroken by the confirmation of our beloved Peter’s death. We want to express our deep gratitude to the East Hampton police and all who aided them in their search, and also to thank the many friends of Peter and our family who have sent messages of love and support during these dark days.  Peter was an extraordinary man who led an exceptional life. He lived life to the fullest; he squeezed every drop out of every day. He was relentless in his passion for nature, unvarnished and unsentimental but utterly authentic always. He was an intrepid explorer, unfailingly generous, charismatic, and discerning. Peter defined what it means to be open: open to new ideas, new encounters, new people, new ways of living and being. Always insatiably curious, he pursued his passions without restraints and perceived reality through a unique lens. Anyone who spent time in his company was swept up by his enthusiasm and his energy. He was a pioneering contemporary artist who was decades ahead of his time in his efforts to sound the alarm about environmental damage. His visual acuity and elemental understanding of the natural environment was fostered by his long stays in the bush and the ‘wild-deer-ness’ he loved and defended. He died where he lived: in nature. We will miss him every day.»

PETER BEARD
I’ll Write Whenever I Can, Koobi Fora, Lake Rudolf, Kenya, 1965
It went for £55.200 at a Christie’s auction in 2008.

Peter Beard was world-renown for his beautiful and intimate images of Africa and African wildlife, and rose to fame for keeping diaries, filled with drawings, blood, and other materials, that were considered works of art unto themselves.

Young Peter Beard and Salvador Dalí

Born into privilege of railroad and tobacco fortunes, the extremely handsome young man led a bon vivant’s life, partying around the world, but always returning to his retreats in New York, including Montauk, as well as Kenya, where some of his most iconic wildlife photography was taken.
After studying at Yale University he went to Africa and documented the deaths of thousands of elephants and other wildlife in Tsavo National Park, which became the basis of his 1965 book «The End of the Game», which influenced a generation of artists as well as wildlife conservationists.

Sketches from the book «Peter Beard» that showcase how meticulously he kept his diaries.

In 1996, he was injured by a charging elephant that crushed him with its head. The incident left him with fractures in his pelvis and massive internal bleeding. After almost dying, he was put back together by Kenyan surgeons and eventually recovered.

Peter Beard & and his wife Cheryl Tiegs in the early ’80s

He was married three times, first briefly to Minnie Cushing Beard Coleman in 1967, then to supermodel Cheryl Tiegs from 1982 to 1986. He had affairs with Candice Bergen and Jackie Onassis‘s sister Lee Radziwill, babysat for John Kennedy Jr. and his sister Caroline, and was the man who discovered Somali model Iman, who went on to marry rocker David Bowie. He married his current wife, Nejma Khanum Beard, in 1986. They have a daughter, Zara Beard, who is 31.

PETER BEARD
Orphan Cheetah Triptych, 1968
It went for $662.500 at a Christie’s auction in 2012.

«I thought of Africa as a place where there was still plenty of room, where you could actually live life rather than have your life run by a world where you wake up in the morning to a traffic jam, rush to catch a bus, struggle to get to the office.» Peter Beard

Iman through the lens of Peter Beard

One of Beard’s most iconic photographs was of naked model Maureen Gallagher handfeeding a giraffe at his 45-acre Hog Ranch outside of Nairobi. He had wanted to use Iman but she bailed on him. One print sold for $662.500 in 2012.

Gallagher said she had a long affair with Beard, following the trip to Kenya. «I went there for three weeks and stayed there for three months,» she said. «I cancelled all my bookings. I was 22 and I was in love.»

PETER BEARD
Maureen Gallagher, Hog Ranch, 1987
It went for $43.750 at a Christie’s auction in 2013. 

PETER BEARD
Veruschka von Lehndorff and Galo Galo Guyn, Hunting Block 29, Capturing Rhino for ‘Starvo’ National Park, 1963-1964
It went for $27.500 at a Christie’s auction in 2012. 

Peter and Nejma Beard in Montauk in 2003. Photo: Mary Ellen Mark

One funny anecdote that only happened in 2017, when his third wife, Nejma, had him placed in a psych ward at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital after he brought two Russian prostitutes to their home at the age of 79. She claimed he was suicidal when he stumbled back to their Manhattan apartment at 6am after a night partying in the city’s Meatpacking District. I have to admit this is quite a move to educate your husband!

Young Peter Beard – Half Byron, half Tarzan (1950s)

Despite his vibrant character, he will always be remembered for his extraordinary works of art, from his well-known images of threatened African animals to his fashion photographs and elaborate diary pages. He leaves a legacy and will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Peter Beard!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Getty, Wire, and Courtesy of the Beard Family 

«Not your barbie girl, I’m livin’ in my own world, I ain’t plastic, call me classic.
You can’t touch me there, you can’t touch my body
Unless I say so, ain’t your barbie, no»
– Ava Max, Not Your Barbie Girl

This weekend I enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather and played a little dress up in my garden. I hope you like this boudoir-style old Hollywood glamour as much as I do.

My look: Feather-embellished silk-chiffon cape, feather and satin-trimmed silk-chiffon wide-leg pants, all by Dolce & Gabbana, and wrap-effect bandage and ruched tulle top
by Hervé Léger, silver glitter plateau sandals by Jimmy Choo, and hairspray bottle bag by Moschino, glitter sunglasses by CHANEL, 18-karat white gold diamond GG necklace and 18-karat white gold diamond necklace with charm, both by Gucci Fine Jewellery, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Tiffany True diamond ring by Tiffany & Co., diamond earrings, LOVE bracelets and yellow gold diamond pavé eternity band, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

In Wednesday’s post about the departure of Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Chanel and Chopard from Baselworld, I rose the question if this will be the end of the famous watch and jewelry show. Here is the answer and some more breaking news as the Swiss watch manufactures belonging to the LVMH Group, the world leader in luxury, have chosen to leave Baselworld in order to join the other flagship brands of the Swiss watch industry in Geneva from 2021 onwards. This includes all brands from the LVMH Watchmaking Division, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith, as well as the House of Bvlgari.

Within this context of clearly weakened representation of the Swiss watch industry and hence inevitably lower participation, it appears clear to the brands composing the Division and to the House of Bvlgari that they must also withdraw in order to preserve their image and their relations with their clients as well with the media.They will therefore not be taking part in the 2021 edition of Baselworld.

The four Maisons are examining various potential event formats corresponding to the need to present their strategic directions and new products to their commercial partners – as well as to the international press – next year. The LVMH Watchmaking Division on the one hand, and Bvlgari on the other, will decide on their plans in the coming weeks, according to their respective objectives.

Stéphane Bianchi

Stéphane Bianchi, CEO Watchmaking Division LVMH, said: «We are sorry to have to leave this over 100-year-old Baselworld event to which our Maisons have been consistently loyal. It is nonetheless clear that we must respond quickly and make other arrangements. We are facing an opportunity to reinvent the format and content of one of the key moments of our watchmaking year, which represented both a major commercial challenge and a lever of influence for our brands. With this in mind, we will do our utmost to be present alongside the other prestigious Maisons that will gather in Geneva in April 2021, and thereby meet the requirements of our partners and clients while offering them an unrivalled experience.»

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO Bvlgari Grou., stated: «Grouping the entire Swiss watch industry in a single location, Geneva – the historical capital of watchmaking – and around a single date, is a major opportunity to at last revive a sector that all too many divisions and divergent interests have weakened compared to the rest of the luxury sector in which Bvlgari is active and that is making much faster progress. We are looking forward to going to Geneva in April 2021, even though we still need to define the terms of our participation, which we will specify in the coming weeks. We are also delighted not to have to make up for the lack of institutional watch shows, which in 2020 forced us to take tactical initiatives that were necessary in the short term but undesirable in the medium term.»

So, dear ladies and gentlemen, this is the answer, this is the end of Baselworld…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Personally speaking, when it comes to skincare, my eyes are the most challenging area to deal with as it consists of the most delicate skin on the face. Unfortunately, they show signs of aging first with the development of fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, loss of firmness, dryness, and uneven texture. Even if these signs are not apparent yet, most of the damage may already be done under the surface of the skin. So you might thank me for today’s post in a few years, however, with a little care, and the right approach, your eyes can remain radiant and vibrant.

There is a lot we can do to minimize the aging effects in the eye area. Environmental stressors and lifestyle play a huge part in the aging process, accelerating the rate of visible damage. Slowing down, even it is just for a few minutes during the day, play an important role. Furthermore, the use of a scientifically formulated eye cream can slow the aging process in the eye area as it will hydrate, brighten, firm, decrease puffiness, and smooth the skin’s texture. It is never too late (or too early) to care for this delicate area.

With triple the Concentrated Miracle Broth™, the newly formulated LA MER Eye Concentrate helps transform the delicate eye area with essential energy and healing hydration to reduce the look of dark circles, lines and wrinkles in 3 weeks. Lime Tea Concentrate, the antioxidant powerhouse, helps prevent future damage before it begins. The result? An enlightened new eye area — one that looks smoother, brighter and healthier than before.

At least twice daily, dab a small amount onto applicator and gently massage onto eye area for increased micro-circulation. My favorite personal hack? First, stow La Mer’s eye treatment applicator in the fridge for 3 to 5 minutes for a refreshing revamp of your go-to eye regimen. Secondly, carry the applicator and the Eye Concentrate with you, especially when you are travelling or busy with work. This fast-absorbing treatment works also perfectly over your make-up.

Gently sweep it over the eye area with the applicator for pure relaxation. It also helps me to concentrate during the day as rolling it under the eye area has almost a meditative sensation for me. This much needed hydration will boost your energy level while encouraging natural drainage.

Available now for CHF 270.00 (15ml).
Enjoy Complimentary Standard Shipping and two samples at checkout with every order. CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE LA MER EYE CONCENTRATE ONLINE.

Don’t forget – the eyes are the window to the soul, so better make them look your best.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Happy Thursday everyone! Great news MATCHESFASHION launched a mid-season sale
with up to 30% off select women’s and men’s products. Use the code MID30 at checkout!
This sale will run through 27th of April, 2020.

Below are some of my favorite pieces for women and men that will last for many seasons to come. Don’t miss this opportunity and gentlemen, to see your must-haves, scroll down please to the end of this post.

LoL, Sandra

MY FAVORITE MID-SEASON SALE PIECES FOR WOMEN:

Elsa crystal chain-strap leather sandals by Alexandre Vauthier
Chain embellishments around the ankle are all the rage this summer season.

Soleil nubuck and raffia bag by Jacquemus
A stylish straw bag at the beach will make heads turn.

Stone-embellished heart and arrow brooch by Etro
Brooches are the must-have accessory for the S/S 2020 season!

Peak-lapel grain-de-poudre jacket by Peter Pilotto
Nothing beats a classy summer blazer during a cool summer breeze.

Off-the-shoulder ruffled silk-chiffon dress by Dundas
Browse the clothing section to find your ultimate airy summer dream dress.

Xike belted leather shorts by Isabel Marant
A pair of colorful leather shorts is a great addition to your wardrobe as you can wear it all year long.

MY FAVORITE MID-SEASON SALE PIECES FOR MEN:

Technical-mesh bomber jacket by Giorgio Armani
You cannot go wrong with this timeless piece.

Artist stripe-cuff striped cotton shirt by Paul Smith
A classy striped designer shirt on sale. You can thank me later!

Santos de Cartier aviator metal sunglasses by Cartier
This is what I would call a pair of statement sunglasses.

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Yesterday I received the breaking news: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor leave Baselworld to create a new watch trade show in Geneva with the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH). The show will be held early April 2021 at Palexpo, at the same time as Watches & Wonders (The FHH is the group that organizes what, until this year, has been known as Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH).) This departure follows a number of unilateral decisions made without consultation by Baselworld management, including the postponement of the watch show until January 2021, as well as its inability to meet the brands’ needs and expectations.

The announcement comes as no surprise – as open letters about the fair’s plans and its organizer’s handling of refunds, among other things, have been paramount this past week. Apparently, Baselworld management also opted to reschedule Baselworld 2020 for January 2021 without asking the exhibitors. The dates conflict with a host of other exhibitions around the world in jewelry and watches.

The new show, which will be linked to Watches & Wonders, organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, is to take place at Palexpo. The aim is to offer partner brands the best possible professional platform, applying a shared vision to successfully meet future challenges in the watchmaking industry. It will also give crucial prominence to the sector’s expertise and innovations, both in Switzerland and internationally. Other brands may also be added, according to terms that have not yet been defined. This new event will be geared predominantly towards retailers, the press and VIP customers.

Jean-Frédéric Dufour

Jean-Frédéric Dufour, Chief Executive Officer, Rolex SA, and Board Member, Montres Tudor SA, said: «We have taken part in Baselworld since 1939. Unfortunately, given the way the event has evolved and the recent decisions made by MCH Group, and in spite of the great attachment we had to this watch show, we have decided to withdraw. Following discussions initiated by Rolex, it seemed only natural to create a new event with partners that share our vision and our endless, unwavering support for the Swiss watchmaking sector. This will allow us to present our new watches in line with our needs and expectations, to join forces and better defend the interests of the industry.»

Thierry Stern

Thierry Stern, President, Patek Philippe said: «The decision to leave Baselworld was not an easy one to take for me, being the fourth generation of the Stern family to participate to this traditional yearly event. But life evolves constantly, things change and people change as well, whether it is at the level of those responsible for the watch fair organization, the brands or the clients. We constantly have to adapt ourselves, question what we do, since what was right yesterday may not necessarily be valid today! Today Patek Philippe is not in line with Baselworld’s vision anymore, there have been too many discussions and unsolved problems, trust is no longer present. We need to answer the legitimate needs of our retailers, the clients and the press from around the world. They have to be able to discover the new models from Swiss watchmakers each year, at one time, in one place, and this in the most professional manner possible. That is why, following several discussions with Rolex and in agreement with other participating brands, we have decided to create, all together, a unique event in Geneva, representative of our savoir-faire.»

Frédéric Grangié

Frédéric Grangié, President of CHANEL Watches & Fine Jewellery said: «Like its partners, CHANEL shares the same independence and the same desire to protect and promote the values, know-how, utmost quality and precision of Swiss Watchmaking. This initiative marks a key milestone in the history of CHANEL Watchmaking and is part of a long-term strategy, which began with the launch of this activity in 1987. This exhibition will allow us to present all of our new creations in an environment that meets our high-quality standards.»

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President Chopard et Cie SA said: «Chopard first exhibited at the Basel fair in 1964 with a stand of some 25 square metres. After careful consideration, our family decided to support the Rolex initiative and retire from Baselworld – a painful decision. The creation of this new watch show in Geneva, in parallel to Watches & Wonders, will allow us to better serve our watchmaking partners and our customers. Through the alliance, these grandes maisons will also be able to collaborate in promoting the values and best interests of Swiss watchmaking.»

Jérôme Lambert

Jérôme Lambert, on behalf of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie Council said: «The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is delighted to welcome a new salon which will strengthen the historical Watches & Wonders event in Geneva next year in early April.»

Further information will be published at a later date, in particular concerning the name of the new watch fair and its organization.

I fear this will be the end, pure and simple, of Baselworld…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht